Styria Wine Tours: The South Styrian Wine Road & Schilcher
Styria wine tours: South Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, West Styrian Schilcher, Buschenschank taverns and pumpkin seed oil, about an hour from Graz, and how to book.
The short version: Styria, in Austria’s southeast around Graz, is one of Europe’s most underrated wine regions. South Styria’s steep green hills along the Slovenian border make world-class Sauvignon Blanc, West Styria makes Schilcher, a tangy pink wine found almost nowhere else, and everywhere you eat in a Buschenschank, a family wine tavern serving its own wine with a cold platter. It is about an hour from Graz. Here is where to go and how to book.
At a glance
| Area | What to taste | Base |
|---|---|---|
| South Styria (Südsteiermark) | Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon, Gelber Muskateller | Gamlitz, Leutschach, Ehrenhausen |
| West Styria (Schilcherland) | Schilcher rose from the Blauer Wildbacher grape | Stainz, Deutschlandsberg |
| Vulkanland | Traminer and whites from volcanic soils | Klöch, Riegersburg |
| Everywhere | Buschenschank platters, pumpkin seed oil | About 1 hour from Graz |
The South Styrian Wine Road
Nicknamed the Tuscany of Austria, the South Styrian Wine Road winds over impossibly steep vineyards right on the border with Slovenia, between villages like Gamlitz, Ehrenhausen and Leutschach. Its star is Sauvignon Blanc, among the best in Europe, alongside Morillon (the local name for Chardonnay) and aromatic Gelber Muskateller. Listen for the Klapotetz, a wooden wind rattle that scares birds from the ripening grapes. Just over the border is Slovenia’s Štajerska; see our guide to Slovenia’s wine regions.
Schilcher and the Buschenschank
West Styria’s Schilcher is a bright, high-acid rose made from Blauer Wildbacher, a grape grown almost only here. Wherever you go, eat in a Buschenschank: a seasonal family tavern, Styria’s version of the Viennese heuriger, serving its own wine with a Brettljause board of cured meats, cheese and spreads. And everything is dressed with dark green Styrian pumpkin seed oil, a protected local speciality.
Our pick: the Schilcherland E-Bike Tour with Exclusive Wine Tasting rides through the West Styrian vineyards to a local winery to taste Schilcher with regional specialties.
In western Slovenia, see Vipava Valley wine tours and Goriška Brda wine tours.
Frequently asked questions
What wine is Styria known for?
Sauvignon Blanc from South Styria, plus Morillon and Gelber Muskateller, and Schilcher rose from West Styria.
What is a Buschenschank?
A seasonal family wine tavern in Styria that serves its own wine and cold food such as a Brettljause platter, similar to a Viennese heuriger.
How far is the South Styrian Wine Road from Graz?
About an hour by car; the Schilcher area of West Styria is a little closer.
Book a Styria wine tour
Compare Graz and Styria wine and food tours, or browse more Austria food and wine experiences.
